This page was created by Zachary Barney.
Composite Stechzeug - Why was This Object Made, How was It Used?
The Jousting armor was made to protect the wearer in the jousting tournament. In tournaments, squires would begin the process of preparing the knight for the joust by brushing his hair to protect it from the helmet. Then the knight would put on leather boots and steel shin guards, as well as a chainmail shirt that would protect him if his main armor plate was broken. Underneath the armor plates, knights would wear padding and smaller helmets to cushion their heads within their helmets, extra gloves, elbow and shin guards, and an extra pair of shoes. As a joust of peace, the safety of the rider was the primary concern of the tournament and the jousting suits were made to be used by anyone, so they had to be made with room to move and to make room for extra protection. During the joust, both knights would charge at each other with their lances in an attempt to knock their opponent off of their horse. Lances would be 11 feet long and have steel heads spread out to disperse the impact.